Optimize Your Work From Home Space

Working from home has become the reality for many people across the country as COVID continues to alter the ways we work and live. For some, working from home might be a welcome change – no commute, no dress code, and no fluorescent office lighting. For others, the relative isolation and potential productivity killing distractions can be a deal breaker. Whichever camp you’re in, there are things you can do to stay productive and salvage your sanity while working from home.

Make your space work for you…

Whether you have a separate room or home office that you can use for your workspace, or you’re working in the corner of your dining room, make sure that it’s dedicated space. This is space for you to get work done and nothing else. If you’re working at your coffee table or from your bedroom, your brain has a hard time shifting into “work mode”. It’s important for you to have that mental cue that gets you up and moving for the day. Make sure the space is organized and stocked with whatever you will need to complete your work tasks, and make sure it’s comfortable for an entire day of work – don’t think that sitting on the floor at your coffee table will cut it! It’s equally important to make sure that you are free from interruptions. If you don’t have a space with a door that you can close, make sure that others in your home know that you are working and shouldn’t be bothered.

Make it a space you enjoy…

Just because it’s work space doesn’t mean it has to be a desk in a dark corner of your basement. Your mental health is important too, especially with the limited face to face contact we have with people now. The introverts among us may not view limited “people time” as a negative, but even if other people aren’t your “thing”, you still need some connection to the outside world. If you can, try positioning your desk near or under a window for natural light. If that’s not an option, add some extra lighting to ensure the space is well-lit and reduce eye strain (and headaches). Make sure your chair is comfortable, and consider adding some personal touches (like artwork or some house plants) to brighten the space.

Keep it organized…

You will be more productive if you maintain an organized work space. Utilize desk top organizers, desks with storage built in, and wall mounted or floor based shelving units or storage cubicles to keep everything you need organized and accessible. Keep clutter to a minimum – find a better organizational system than sticky notes plastered everywhere. Giving yourself space to work also gives you space to think!

Don’t live in your home office…

For some of the more productive workers out there, it can be hard to “shut off” from work when working from home. Make sure you take breaks throughout the day for lunch, a snack, or a quick walk around the block. Set clear boundaries for yourself to stay on task while working, but also know when to stop working for the day. Maintain “office hours” even if your home has become your office. Keeping boundaries in place is crucial for your mental health.